Southend United vs. Latics

19 August 2022

Latics are looking to bounce back from a disappointing midweek defeat against Wealdstone when they make the journey south to take on Southend United.

John Sheridan’s men fell to a 2-1 defeat under the lights at Boundary Park midweek with the visitors taking a two-goal lead into the break leaving Latics too much to do in the second half.

On the scoresheet for Oldham was Ben Tollitt as he scored for the second game running.

The opposition

The hosts come into the game still in pursuit of their first league win of the campaign.

So far, they have lost to Boreham Wood and shared the points with Solihull Moors and FC Halifax.

This is the Shrimpers second season in the National League following their relegation from League Two in the 2020/21 season.

This was their second relegation in as many seasons seeing them drop from the third tier to the fifth and out of the football league.

In their maiden National League season, United finished mid-table in 13th position.

In the early stage of the season Southend find themselves just above the relegation zone in 20th place and they will be looking to jump up the table when they welcome Latics to Roots Hall.

Head-to-Head

Meetings: 41

Latics wins: 13

Southend United wins: 17

Draws: 11

The last time that the two clubs met was in March 2021 when they played out a goalless draw at Boundary Park in a Sky Bet League Two clash.

The last time that Latics made the journey to Roots Hall saw them leave Essex with maximum points following a 2-1 victory.

Loanee Bobby Grant opened the scoring for Oldham early on in the second half and Zak Dearnley grabbed the second, an 89th minute winner.

This win ended a four game losing sequence for Latics in games against Southend.

Watch out for

Southend’s only goal scorer so far this season is Christopher Wreh.

He was on target as he scored their equalising goal against Solihull Moors in the 1-1 draw.

The 26-year-old is a summer acquisition for the Shrimpers, joining on an initial one year deal following a fruitful trial period that saw him score two goals and claim two assists in just three matches.

He was in prolific form last term albeit at a lower level with Banbury United.

An incredibly impressive 23 goals and 16 assists were a huge factor in helping his former club to promotion to the National League North.

Wreh comes from good footballing pedigree as his father represented AS Monaco and Arsenal as well as the Liberian national team.

The striker will be hoping that he can adapt to the higher level and will have Latics in his sights as he looks to add to his goal tally for the season.

In the dugout & Familiar face

Kevin Maher is the man in the dugout for the hosts.

The 45-year-old is enjoying his first permanent posting in football management. He has caretaker experience with Bristol Rovers and Chelmsford City.

Furthermore, he has also managed youth sides at Southend United.

Latics fans may remember the name as he featured for the Blues in the 2008/09 campaign. He played 31 league games, finding the net on one occasion.

He joined Oldham after leaving Southend where he made close to 400 appearances in a 10-year period.

Odds

The hosts are slight favourites for this clash and are 29/20 to pick up their first win of the season.

Latics are at the more lucrative price of 13/8 whilst the draw can be backed at 11/5.

Match officials

Adrian Quelch is the man in the middle, being assisted by Robert Evans and Laurentiu Hantea. The 4th official is Deryll David.

How to follow the game

Live audio commentary is available on Latics Player, guiding you through the match.

For more information, visit the Latics Player page by clicking here.

Alternatively, supporters can also follow the game with live updates on the club's official Twitter account: @OfficialOAFC

Preview: Dan Wright

Additional photography: Southend United FC

Match Reports

Southend United 1-0 Latics

20 August 2022

Latics fell to defeat at Roots Hall following a 28th minute strike from Dan Mooney.

No side dominated early on in the game, but Southend soon found their feet and began to dominate, getting their goal just before the half-hour mark.

Latics failed to respond in the first-half and went in a goal down.

Vaughan and Windass coming on in the second-half saw Latics threaten more than they did in the first-half, but they failed to find the back of the net in front of the 301 traveling supporters.

Early on the game, both sides exchanged chances, with Dan Mooney firing a shot towards goal from the edge of the box following a Chris Wreh pass, but his effort went over the bar.

Ben Tollitt responded for Latics, beating his man on the left and crossing from the byline, but he couldn’t find an Oldham man in the box.

Southend entered a period of dominance, Wreh and Mooney caused Latics a number of problems up top. Wreh received the ball on the edge of the box with his shot beating Norman, just for it to hit the post.

Wes Fonguck created another chance for Southend, his pass found Callum Powell, but he couldn’t keep his shot down as it went over the bar.

Southend’s goal came following a fantastic passing move down the left-flank which ended with Mooney receiving the ball, on the edge of the area, turning and slotting the ball into the far corner.

Latics were forced to make an early substitution as Dan Gardner went down with an injury, and Luke Burgess came on in his place.

Southend searched for a second, and nearly got it thanks to Powell, his shot from 20 yards was spilled by Norman, but he recovered before it rolled over the line.

Cooper had an audacious shot on goal just before half-time, Stobbs’ flung a cross in and he connected with the ball via an overhead kick, but couldn’t keep it down as it went over the bar.

Latics went into the break a goal down.

Tollitt had an early chance in the second-half, his shot was pushed wide by Ndi from 20 yards.

Latics’ first tactical change saw Harry Vaughan come on for Charlie Cooper.

Powell caused Oldham problems all afternoon, and Norman was forced to make a good save as he crossed a ball in from the left, denying Southend the opportunity of a second.

Hallam Hope pressed Ollie Kensdale as he went to make a clearance, he managed to block the ball, but could only see it out of play.

Powell, again, went forward for the home side, he cut in from the left and threw his shot at goal, seeing it bounce off the inside post before Oldham cleared.

The game wound down as Oldham chased the game and Southend looked to run down the clock, Liam Hogan went off with an injury, but couldn’t be replaced because Sheridan had already used three substitutions.

A disappointing defeat on the road.

Latics: Norman, Clarke (Windass, 68), Francis-Angol, Hogan, McGahey, Stobbs, Gardner (Burgess, 37), Hope, Cooper (Vaughan, 53), Tollitt, Fondop.

Subs not used: Leutwiler.

Southend: Ndi, Ralph, Lomas, Hobson, Kensdale, Mooney (Coker, 67), Powell, Miley, Fonguck (Benton 78), Wreh (Cosgrave 78), Demetriou.

Subs not used: Bridge, Crowhurst,

Oldham Athletic

Standings

Southend United vs. Latics

Southend United 1-0 Latics